Things You Should Know About the Cape Town Cycle Tour by Berna Lubbe

On 6 March 2016, us Capetonians and visitors to our beautiful city may be affected by the Cape Town Cycle Tour (CTCT)- the biggest cycling event in Cape Town and the Western Cape.I (Berna Lubbe) will be cycling and our other attorney (Nicola le Roux) will work at the KCL stand in the VIP tent at the finish as our firm supports this charity that also participates in the CTCT.

FUN FACT: The oldest man to complete the race within the allotted time (7 hours) was Japie Malan who did the race on a single bicycle in 2010 and on a tandem in 2012. He was 92 years old at the time.Mary Warner is the oldest woman to have completed the race within the allotted time (7 hours) in 2006; she was 80 years old at the time. (http://www.capetownmagazine.com/cape-argus-pick-n-pay-cycle-tour)

THE ROUTE: Because I am cycling, I took a road trip to check out what I’m up against and put video together of snippets from the route which can be viewed on our Facebook page.

IF YOU ARE CYCLING: There are many tips around for cyclists doing this race, but these are the ones that caught my attention: Use the nutrition, cycle gear and even clothes that you have been using in training. Don’t overindulge the night before the race. Have breakfast at least 2,5 hours before you start as that is more or less when your body gets the benefit from the meal. Remember sunblock even if you start early.

When people talk about this race, I hear “Wynberghill, Smitswinkel, Chapmans Peak and Suikerbossie” and I realise I need strong legs for these hills and then I hear how the serious cyclists (racing snakes) tackle this race, these are the tips: For the hills: eat and drink before you hit the climb, find your own rhythm during the climb.

For the flat sections: during the race find a bunch or form a small group to ride with, don’t overlap wheels, don’t look back and watch out for manholes and cyclists in front of you veering off-line.

For the downhills: to allow for speed leave more distance between yourself and riders in front – especially around the sharp corners. Overall: don’t forget to enjoy the beautiful scenery!

IF YOU ARE A SUPPORTER: Parking and Road Closures: limited parking at Green Point Stadium (tickets for sale at CTCT Lifecycle Expo). Rather park a distance away and take the My City bus to the venue. Road closures can be viewed here: Road-Closures.